Alciato's Book of
Emblems

Emblem 115

On forgetting one's homeland

For a long time, you've neglected your homeland, and forgotten
your own, those things whom blood or love gave to you. You live
in Rome; nor do you give any thought to returning home, so much
has the charm of the immortal city overcome you. Thus the
band of Ithacans, who'd been sent ahead, abandoned their country for the
delight of lotus, and abandoned their leader too.